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President confers Arjuna Award on J&K para-archer

The award was presented to him by President Droupadi Murmu on Friday at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan
01:26 AM Jan 18, 2025 IST | Auqib Salam
president confers arjuna award on j k para archer
President confers Arjuna Award on J&K para-archer
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Srinagar, Jan 17: In a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir,  particularly for the para-archery field, star para-archery player Rakesh Kumar was presented with the prestigious Arjuna Award for 2024.

The award was presented to him by President Droupadi Murmu on Friday at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The award has brought the UT in the limelight and highlighted the exceptional skill of Kumar in the field. The award is a key recognition for the para-archery star for his exceptional achievements in international competitions across the globe. These achievements include his historic bronze medal win at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, where he partnered with Sheetal Devi in the Mixed Team Compound Open Archery event. The same year, he clinched multiple medals at international para-archery championships, including a gold medal at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.

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Kumar has also represented India at the 2020 Summer Paralympics, which was held in Tokyo, Japan. In addition to this, Kumar won a gold medal in the men’s compound open section of the 7th Fazza Para Archery World Ranking Tournament, which was held in Dubai in February 2021.

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Kumar is the highest-ranked compound archer in India with a world ranking of number one.

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The star archer is a native of Katra and has overcome challenges to make a mark in international archery.

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The 39-year-old faced a life-altering accident in 2010 that left both his legs paralysed. The accident left Kumar wheelchair-bound but could not stop him from reaching at the top in the field.

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As the news of the prestigious Arjuna Award for the para-archer reached the UT, the people were filled with joy and pride. Many politicians heaped congratulatory messages and praised Kumar.

LG Manoj Sinha congratulated the para-archer and wished him success in future endeavours.

“Congratulations to Rakesh Kumar on receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award from Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Rakesh has brought immense pride to J&K and the nation, inspiring young sportspersons with his grit & determination. Wishing him continued success & greater glory,” Sinha said on X.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to the micro-blogging site X to congratulate the sportsman.  “Heartiest congratulations to Olympian Rakesh Kumar of Katra for being conferred the prestigious Arjuna Award for 2024 at the hands of the Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu Sahiba. Rakesh has made a name for himself in the field of para-archery and serves as an inspiration for all of us in J&K. I wish him more success going ahead,” Omar Abdullah posted on X.